Pat's Perspective: October 2016

Tuesday, October 18, 2016

A Message from Pat

Dear Friends,

Governor Brown has cleared his desk of several hundred bills that he needed to sign or veto by a September 30 deadline. While he signed some bills that I strongly disagreed with, he also signed a few that I was pleased to author or co-author, which I discuss more in the next section.

With the Legislature concluding the 2015-16 regular session, the focus of many has now turned to the November 8 election. The last day to register to vote in California for the upcoming election is October 24. For more information, please visit the California Secretary of State’s website at http://www.sos.ca.gov. Wherever you stand on the political spectrum, I encourage all eligible Californians to vote! By voting, we honor the sacrifices made by those who fought so hard for this precious right.

In the meantime, I will continue to travel throughout the 36th Senate District and meet with people to listen to their concerns. To invite me to an event or to request assistance on state issues, click here or send an e-mail to Senator.Bates@senate.ca.gov.

Legislative Update

California State Senate Chambers

As you may know, Governor Brown has signed some controversial legislation in recent weeks. One of those bills is Assembly Bill 2466, which will now allow convicted felons serving their sentences in county jail to vote behind bars. I believe in giving people second chances, but not while they are still in jail!

Another new law is Senate Bill 1146, which will take the state down the road of undermining the religious freedom of California’s faith-based colleges and universities under the guise of non-discrimination. Bills such as these highlight the power that the voters have. Who we vote into office does make a difference in the types of laws coming from Sacramento.

On an upbeat note, the governor did sign the bipartisan measures below that I have authored or co-authored. They include:

I am also pleased to have received a 100 percent score from the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) on its 2016 legislative score card. The NFIB is one of the nation’s leading advocates for small business owners. Small businesses are critical to new job creation, so I will continue to advocate for policies to encourage investment and reduce red tape.

Sober Living Homes Update

On October 3, I co-hosted a town hall at Oceanside’s City Hall with Assemblyman Rocky Chávez and featuring Congressman Darrell Issa on the issue of sober living homes. We joined legal specialists, local government representatives and others on briefing residents on ongoing efforts to address concerns.

We are under no illusions that a solution will be easy or immediate given federal law, but we remain encouraged that the concerted focus that this issue is now receiving will create meaningful progress. I will continue to work with all stakeholders to preserve the safety and health of our communities.

Property Tax Postponement Program

The California State Controller’s office has announced the return of property tax assistance for eligible homeowners.

Property tax postponement applies only to current-year taxes. Program participants must reapply for the program each year and demonstrate they continue to meet eligibility requirements. To be eligible for property tax postponement, a homeowner must be 62, or blind, or have a disability. The homeowner must also have a household income of $35,500 or less, have at least 40 percent equity in the property, and occupy the home as the primary residence, among other requirements.

The State Controller’s team started processing applications for the reinstated program in October. To learn more, click here or call 1.800.952.5661.

Community Event for Seniors

My office will be co-sponsoring a community event for senior citizens on Friday, October 21.

This event is called “Caring for Others, Caring for Self. Which Resources Can Help Along the Way?” Featured speakers include gerontologist Di Patterson and author Tanya Brown. I will deliver welcoming remarks.

The event runs from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Outlets at San Clemente, VIP Lounge (101 West Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente, CA 92672). RSVP at this link.

Connecting Women to Power

Diane Harkey, the Vice Chair of the Board of Equalization – California’s tax board – will be hosting a FREE business conference for women on November 3 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Escondido. Speakers will include a former NASA astronaut, a Facebook representative and an international branding expert.

I am pleased to support this event that connects entrepreneurs with decision makers and empowers them with the tools for success. To learn more about the conference and register, go to www.boe.ca.gov/cwp. Space is limited, so register today!

Lake Mission Viejo Water Project

Left photo: Lake Mission Viejo.Right photo: Senator Bates with Mission Viejo Mayor Frank Ury, who spearheaded the partnership for the lake’s water project

Congratulations to the Santa Margarita Water District, Lake Mission Viejo Association and the City of Mission Viejo on the completion of the Advanced Purified Water Facility.

The facility will eliminate the use of 114 million gallons of drinking water currently used to fill the lake. This water instead will be made available to Mission Viejo residents. It is a win-win to help meet human and environmental water needs in South Orange County.

Environmental Good News

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has announced that it has awarded a $2 million grant to help protect wetlands in Carlsbad, which is located in the 36th Senate District.

The grant will help purchase up to 154 acres of important biological core habitat areas for the coastal California gnatcatcher, a small bird. The acquisition will also benefit numerous other listed and unlisted species covered by the Carlsbad Habitat Management Plan. This plan was developed by the city, in cooperation with federal and state wildlife agencies, to protect sensitive biological resources while allowing for continued economic development.

Community Spotlight: San Clemente

Located in South Orange County and along California’s fabulous coast, the City of San Clemente is home to more than 67,000 people.

According to the city’s website, “San Clemente residents often think of their town as paradise–where the 1920’s vision of a Spanish Village by the Sea still lingers, the sun shines 342 days a year and the conveniences of metropolitan Southern California are balanced by fresh ocean air and beaches untouched by time.” It is a description of San Clemente at its finest.

San Clemente was among the first master planned communities built from totally open land in the United States. The city was founded by Ole Hanson, who once served as Mayor of Seattle, Washington. He laid out a plan based on the Spanish Colonial architectural style including restaurants, a clubhouse, residences, public parks and more.

Hanson’s vision lives on today, where the city provides many opportunities for its residents to thrive. Learn more about San Clemente by visiting its government website at http://san-clemente.org and its chamber of commerce website at http://www.scchamber.com.

Upcoming Events

The events below are just a sample of what’s happening in our beautiful district. Do you have an event that you would like me to include in my newsletter? Please let me know by sending me a message on my website. In addition, you can find more events in your community by visiting these links:

San Juan Capistrano: Third Thursday Shop & Dine SJC

Date: Thursday, October 20Time: 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.Location: Historic downtown San Juan CapistranoAbout: The event focuses on providing downtown visitors the chance to stroll through the unique shops and galleries in San Juan while enjoying in-store entertainment, special events and promotions.More Information: Click here.

Dana Point: Bulky Item Drop Off Event

Date: Saturday, October 22Time: 7:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.Location: Dana Hills High School and Palisades Elementary School (33333 Street of the Golden Lantern, Dana Point, CA 92629)About: Bulky Item Clean Up events give residents a chance to drop off their bulky items for free instead of taking them to the landfill. Residents can bring e-waste, green waste, large appliances, furniture, and other bulky items that don’t fit in a normal waste container.More Information: Click here.

Laguna Hills: Scavenger Hunt

Date: Saturday, October 22Time: 9 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.Location: Community Center & Sports Complex (25555 Alicia Parkway, Laguna Hills, CA 92653)About: This city wide scavenger hunt will have you compete in challenges including photo snapping, visiting important places, Q&A and scanning QR codes. Once the hunt is complete, join others at the Laguna Hills Community Center for a results party with light refreshments and prizes.More Information: Click here.

Laguna Niguel: Orange County Alzheimer’s Walk

Date: Saturday, October 22Location: 28241 La Paz Road, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677About: Join us again this year for your favorite Alzheimer’s walk, the Walk4ALZ, at the OC locations you’ve always loved: Laguna Niguel, Huntington Beach and Angel Stadium! Sign up for free and start your own fundraising team now at www.alzoc.org/walk. The Walk4ALZ is the only Alzheimer’s walk in Orange County where 100 of the funds raised stay local here in our community, to help local families affected by the disease.More Information: Click here.

Mission Viejo: Pumpkin Diving

Date: Sunday, October 23Location: Sierra Recreation Center (26887 Recodo Ln, Mission Viejo, CA 92691)About: Jump in and pick your pumpkin! Join your neighbors for this annual event as they transform the Sierra Pool into a floating pumpkin patch. Once you pick your pumpkin you can decorate it at one of the decorating stations and play fun carnival games.More Information: Click here.

San Clemente: Red Ribbon Parade & Pep Rally

Date: Monday, October 24Time: Parade begins at 4:15 p.m. Pep Rally at 4:45 p.m.Location: Top of Del Mar to the San Clemente Community Center (100 N. Calle Seville, San Clemente, CA 92672)About: Celebrate Red Ribbon Week with the community as it kicks off the pledge to live a healthy and drug free life with San Clemente schools, CUSD, OCSD, and civic groups parading down Del Mar. A Pep Rally follows at the San Clemente Community Center.More Information: Click here.

Aliso Viejo: Movie Night

Date: Friday, October 28Location: Aliso Viejo Aquatic Center (9 Santa Barbara Dr., Aliso Viejo, CA 92656)About: Entrance to the facility and popcorn are free. Treats and drinks will be available for sale. Please note that the event could be canceled due to inclement weather.More Information: Click here.

Vista: Mobile Pet Clinic

Date: Saturday, November 26Time: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.Location: Wildwood Park (651 E Vista Way, Vista, CA 92084)About: San Diego Humane Society will be on site providing affordable vaccinations and microchips. If you are a resident of Oceanside or Vista, you can stop by to renew or purchase a new license (late fees will be waived*).More Information: Click here.

Note: While my office strives to include accurate information at the time of publication, events are subject to change by the organizers/sponsors.

36th District Highlights

In addition to my many meetings, briefings, and other Senate activities, I also:

Co-hosted a resource fair for military veterans with Assemblyman (and veteran) Bill Brough in Laguna Hills. Thank you to Panera Bread and SDG&E for providing lunch to the attendees!

Attended the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce’s Small Business Luncheon. I am with Carlsbad Mayor Pro Tem Lorraine Wood.

Toured Pacira Pharmaceuticals’ San Diego manufacturing facility. I appreciated the opportunity to learn more about its work in serving physicians and patients.

Joined Rancho Santa Margarita Mayor Tony Beall (2nd from right) in presenting the Business of the Year award to Gina & Curt Stanley at RSM’s State of the City event.

Gave an update on state issues to the San Diego Women VIPs (Volunteers in Politics).

Presented a certificate to Colonel Paddy Gough USMC (retired) in recognition of the A Million Thanks Foundation’s support of veterans, active duty military and their families.

Attended an event supporting the Osuna Adobe Restoration Project in Rancho Santa Fe. The adobe was the home of San Diego’s first mayor, Juan Osuna. I’m pictured with my husband John (left) and Osuna Committee board member Stuart Schouten (right).